Salmon Kings Beat Thunderbirds in Finale

October 10, 2010 - ECHL (ECHL)
Victoria Salmon Kings News Release


Victoria, BC - In a Sunday matinee game at the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre, the Victoria Salmon Kings hosted the University of British Columbia (UBC) Thunderbirds as they wrapped up their two-game exhibition set. The Salmon Kings gave Riley Gill the nod in net, while the Thunderbird's crease was tended by Joe Rodwell.

Victoria scored the only goal of the opening frame at 14:33 when Rick Cleaver broke in from the left side and blasted a slap shot that beat Rodwell. The first period ended with the Salmon Kings leading the Thunderbirds 1-0.

The Salmon Kings doubled their lead at the 1:18 mark of the second period when Kiel McLeod redirected Derek Couture's shot from the right point through the legs of the goaltender. UBC would get on the board at 7:06 into the middle frame as Marc Desloges set up a cross-crease pass from the right end boards and connected with Tyler Ruel for the goal. The Thunderbirds made a goalie change at the 10:23 mark as Rodwell was relieved by Graeme Gordon. After forty minutes of play, Victoria held a 2-1 lead.

The Salmon Kings gave themselves a two-goal cushion 36 seconds into the final period as Rob Hennigar set up Matt Stefanishion for a one-timer from the top of the right faceoff circle. Victoria moved in front 4-1 at the 8:27 mark when Hennigar picked up a rebound in front of the crease and buried it for his second of the game. While on the man-advantage the Salmon Kings capitalized to make it 5-1 as Mike Wilson's slap shot from the point rung off the cross-bar and in. Each team traded goals late in the game as Cleaver recorded the hat-trick and Ben Schmidt scored for UBC to finish off the scoring. Salmon Kings 6 Thunderbirds 2.

Victoria went 1/333.3% on the power play, while UBC was 0/600.0%. The Salmon Kings outshot the Thunderbirds 45-26.

The Salmon Kings open the 2010-11 regular season this Friday, October 15th in Idaho with a two-game set versus the defending National Conference champion Steelheads. Victoria returns home to open up their schedule at the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre with a three-game set versus the Ontario Reign beginning Wednesday, October 27th. For tickets call 250-220-7777 or visit www.selectyourtickets.com.



ECHL Stories from October 10, 2010


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